Israel and Gaza 2023

Israel and Gaza 2023

Satellite imagery, screenshot from Google Earth, October 2023

Belligerent
Israeli Military
Country
Syria
the Gaza Strip
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
592 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

ISPT0395

Incident date

October 20, 2023

Location

ديرالبلح, Deir al Balah, Central Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

Up to six civilians were killed in an alleged Israeli bombardment on residential tower blocks in Deir al Balah during the afternoon of 20th October 2023. It appears most, if not all, of those killed were children. At least four other injured civilians were identified by looking at images of the incident. Both the deceased and injured remain unnamed. Safa Press Service reported that the bodies of the children were taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital.

It appeared two consecutive strikes hit two buildings within the Al-Qastal Tower complex. The first hit the Palestine Tower, with the second hitting Tower 8 shortly afterwards.

@ShehabAgency and other local sources initially reported that “a Palestinian was killed and others injured” in the incident while other sources identified five people killed. A Facebook post from “History and Burial” included a graphic image of the bodies of six children who they said were killed in Deir Al-Balah, adding that “they were sleeping, and now they are sleeping forever.” Another post from An-Najah Block included a video of a funeral for the members of the Kurd family who also reportedly died in Deir al Balah.

Multiple local sources reported that injuries resulted from the strike without providing a toll. A video from @AJA_Palestine shows at least three injured children being brought into the hospital for treatment, as well as an injured man.

The strike was caught on a live television broadcast by Al Ghad and showed two towers simultaneously being struck and collapsing instantly. Images of the aftermath were shared by Quds Network (@qudsn) on X/Twitter showing the multiple storeys of the buildings had collapsed with the floors layered on top of one another.

According to Safa PS, Tower No. 8 in Al-Qastal Towers is affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. This was corroborated by source @K_a_p_s_o_l_a, on X/Twitter. It is unclear the extent of this affiliation.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building, UN facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 6
  • (1–6 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building, UN facility
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 6
  • (1–6 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0363

Incident date

October 19, 2023

Location

القرب من مدرسة تونس وآخر بالقرب من مسجد العائدون، في حي الزيتون شرق غزة, A house near the Tunis School and another house near the Al-Aidoun Mosque, Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City, Gaza City, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Thursday, 19 October, 2023, a number of civilians were reportedly injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on a civilian house near the Tunis School and a house near the Al-Aidoun Mosque, in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood south to the Gaza City. The strike was initially reported at 10:34am.

The Shehab Agency, numerous Facebook posts and tweets reported that “there were injuries,” although the number and names of injured were unknown. Similarly, Alaqsa voice said there were “injuries” without specifying their number.

The Shehab Agency noted the strike came from “warplanes” and, therefore, the attack can be considered an airstrike. Further information about the strike is limited.

Only one source, Alaqsa voice, explicitly attributed the strike to the Israeli military. Therefore, Airwars graded this incident’s strike status as single source claim.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0441

Incident date

October 21, 2023

Location

المغازي, Al Maghazi camp, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.423444, 34.387658 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Shortly before 8:17 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, an alleged Israeli aircraft bombing hit the Abu Lebda family’s home in the Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip, where an unknown number of civilians were reported killed, injured and missing.

The Palestinian news agencies – Safa News and Asharq News, as well as many Twitter/X users have reported civilian casualties, including both killed and injured people. However, the names of the civilians and the casualty toll are unknown. Airwars will update this assessment if and when more details become available.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the bombing to Israeli forces.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 8:17 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @alforgannet

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Maghazi (المغازى) camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.423444, 34.387658. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY-110219

Incident date

February 11, 2019

Location

القنيطرة, Al Qunaitra, Syria

Airwars assessment

Alleged Israeli airstrikes were carried out on Quneitra hospital on February 11, 2019.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency, “at 19.50 p.m., Israeli drones launched 4 missiles on Quneitra hospital and one of the points affiliated to the security guard forces, affirming that the damages were limited to materials.” A reporter also added that “the Israeli aggression has targeted the destroyed Hospital of Quneitra with a number of tank shells and one of the observation centers in Jabata al-Khashab.”

Newsweek also reported that “the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency and the pro-government Al-Ikhbariya news station have reported a series of Israeli strikes near the town of Tel al-Durayya in the southwestern province of Al-Quneitra. The reports suggested that only material damage was inflicted, with projectiles hitting the provincial hospital and an observation post in the town of Jubata al-Khashab.”

Smart News Agency and Free Deir Ezzor Radio also identified Israeli strikes as being carried out in the area and both identified the areas hit as being controlled by the regime.

Israel confirmed they were responsible for the strikes, with the Times of Israel reporting “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday confirmed that Israel had carried out a military strike in the Syrian Golan Heights the night before, further breaking from Israel’s previous policy of ambiguity around its activities against Iran in Syria. “We are working all the time to block Iran. We operate every day, including yesterday, against Iran and its efforts to entrench itself in the region,” Netanyahu said before boarding a flight to Poland for a conference focused on Tehran’s activities in the Middle East.”

The Times of Israel also reported that “Israeli military reporters were told that the strike targeted Iranian-backed Shiite militiamen trying to set up a base of operations near the Israeli border.”

There were no civilian or belligerent casualties reported.

The incident occured between 6:30 pm and 7:50 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday confirmed that Israel had carried out a military strike in the Syrian Golan Heights the night before, further breaking from Israel’s previous policy of ambiguity around its activities against Iran in Syria.
“We are working all the time to block Iran. We operate every day, including yesterday, against Iran and its efforts to entrench itself in the region,” Netanyahu said.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known targets
    Assad regime, Iranian military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT020

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

بالقرب من مخبز العودة بني سهيلة, Vicinity of Al Awda bakery, Bani Suheila, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.339462, 34.32455 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were killed and two to three other civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the town of Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021.

According to @GazaNewsOfficia, “two martyrs and two injured in the bombing of a civilian car in the town of Bani Suhaila”. However, @drshebo put the number of civilians killed at three while Al Ghad TV reported that three civilians were injured in addition to one civilian killed.

A tweet from @qudsn identified two of the civilians killed: Majed Abu Saadeh and Mahmoud Abu Amer.

Al Mezan published in their report that “in Khan Younis, at 2:05pm on 12 May 2021, Israeli air forces launched a missile onto a gas distribution vehicle as it was passing through the town of Bani Suhaila. The missile resulted in the death of Majid Abd Rabbu Mahmoud Abu Sa’ada, 57, a resident of Bani Suhaila, and Mahmoud Ahmed Abu Amer, 37, a resident of Abasan in eastern Khan Younis. Mohannad Tayseer Abu Eilyaan, 15, was also critically injured in the attack.”

B’Tselem collected testimony from Ibrahim Abu Sa’adah, 31, father of four and son of Majd, who was killed: “On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, I was in my apartment on the third floor of our family’s building, which is on the town’s main street. We have a hardware store on the ground floor. At 1:50 P.M., I was standing by the window overlooking the street and saw my father standing and talking with his friend, Mahmoud Abu ‘Amer, who had brought us a gas balloon. My father paid him and then stood chatting with him for a few minutes. There were drones hovering over us. They never leave us alone, day or night. Suddenly, a missile was fired at Abu ‘Amer’s car from one of the drones. It hit the car, which immediately blew up because there were gas balloons inside. The area was covered in smoke and dust. The moment I heard the blast, I lay down flat on the ground. At first, I thought it was a warning missile fired at our house. A few moments later, I got up and looked out the window, and saw my father lying on the road. His friend, Abu ‘Amer, was inside the car and his body was on fire. I ran outside. There were already a lot of people there. I picked my father up. He’d been hit by shrapnel in the head, chest and neck. He was dying. I carried him to the stairway and laid him down. He said his prayers and passed away. Meanwhile, other residents tried to put out the fire in the car. Five minutes later, an ambulance arrived and took the martyrs to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. I stayed at home. That day, after the doctors pronounced my father’s death, we buried him at the Bani Suheila cemetery.”

@ShehabAgency identified the car as being a Peugeot model and belonging to Majed, in addition to pinpointing the location to near al-Awda bakery. A tweet from @Riashy47211 added that the vehicle targeted was a “gas distribution car”.

All of the sources that reported on the incident and identified who was responsible blamed Israel for carrying out the strikes.

The incident occured at 14:05:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Majed Abu Saadeh ماجد عبد ربه أبو سعادة
57 years old male a resident of Bani Suhaila killed
Mahmoud Abu Amer محمود ابو عـــامر
37 years old male a resident of Abasan in eastern Khan Younis killed
Mohannad Tayseer Abu Eilyaan مهند تيسير أبو عليان
15 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The vehicle destroyed by airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @said2795)
  • The vehicle destroyed by airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @said2795)
  • The vehicle destroyed by airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @said2795)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • "Photo of the martyr Mahmoud Abu Amer, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by @Gazapres)
  • "Photo of the martyr Majed Abu Saadeh, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by @Gazapres)
  • "Photo of the martyr Mahmoud Abu Amer, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by Abo Mohammed via Facebook)
  • "Photo of the martyr Majed Abu Saadeh, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by Marwan Abo Mutlak via Facebook)
  • Abu ‘Amer’s car going up in flames after being bombed in Bani Suheila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of Al Awda bakery (مخبز العودة), allegedly within the town of Bani Suheila (بني سهيلا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Bani Suheila are: 31.339462, 34.324550.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT054

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

بلدة عبسان الكبرى شرق خان يونس, Abasan Al Kabira, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.323253, 34.344088 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man was killed and one to two civilians were injured in an Israeli airstrike which targeted a group of people in a town east of Khan Younis, multiple sources reported. The man killed was identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad Movement.

The man killed was identified as 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was reportedly from the town of Bani Sohila. The military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine posted a memorial for Walid, identifying him as a “Mujahid Martyr” and adding that he “received a number of military courses that qualified him to be a staunch mujahid from the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis.”

The extent of the wounded civilian’s injuries was not clear, with Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights saying they were moderate and another source reporting that they were serious. The identity of the individual is also not known. Amad News reported an additional injury.

All of the victims of the strikes were taken to Nasser Hospital.

Al Haq indicated that the missile fired came from a drone and attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at 20:10:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • Image of Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021 (image via @WTaoEonYbL8sXmU)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of the victim from a May 14th, 2021 alleged Israeli airstrike east of Khan Younis (image via Mohammed Saloum)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners at the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab. A missile reportedly targeted a group of people on May 14th, 2021, resulting in his death (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners carrying the body of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab. A missile reportedly targeted a group of people on May 14th, 2021, resulting in his death (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners at the grave site of the young man killed in a reported Israeli airstrike (image via Fath 1965)
  • Translated caption reads: Safa correspondent: An Israeli air strike on a land in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis governorate, in the southern Gaza Strip (via Nwlyapp)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing funeral procession of the young man reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab, identified to be a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, who posted a memorial for Walid.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Abasan Al Kabira (عبسان الجديدة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.323253, 34.344088. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT086

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Location

مصبح, Musbah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.303878, 34.277758 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two men, likely to have been members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), were killed and a civilian was injured in an alleged Israeli drone strike on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, around 18:45 on the evening of May 16th 2021.

Multiple sources reported the death of Tariq Al-Qadi, aged 39 (some sources put his age at 36), and Sameh Al-Qadi, aged 23. Al Watan described the strike as being carried out by drones. Al Aqsa Voice and Al Watan also reported one further injury in the strike.

Saraya al-Quds, the paramilitary arm of PIJ, described both men as ‘shahid mujahids’ and posting photos of them in PIJ uniforms, indicating their likely status as combatants.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to an Israeli drone.

The incident occured at approximately 6:45 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Palestinian Militants
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • Sameh Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @abu_jamil_)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @abu_jamil_)
  • Separator of the Mujahid Martyr / Tariq Mahmoud Al-Qadi
  • The Mujahid Martyr Separator / Sameh Jihad Al-Qadi
  • Sameh Al-Qadi and Tariq Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammad Suliman via Facebook)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Basel via Facebook)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammad Abd via Facebook)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • May God have mercy on them and put them in peace Martyr: Tariq Al-Qadi Martyr: Sameh Al-Qadi
  • Sameh Al-Qadi and Tariq Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Neothedm via Reddit)
  • AMBULANCE BY THE HOUSE OF AL-QADI, BODY OF DEAD PERSON CARRIED ON STRETCHER PEOPLE HUGGING MEMBER OF AL-QADI FAMILY DURING FUNERAL

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic content / Relatives mourn by the body of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Relatives mourn by the body of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Relatives mourn during the funeral of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / Relatives mourn by the body of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Relatives mourn during the funeral of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Mourners carry the body of Palestinian Tariq Al-Qadi, 36, who was killed during Israeli airstrikes, during his funeral in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 17, 2021. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Musbah (مصبح) area, north of Rafah (رفح). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. Possible generic coordinates for this area are: 31.303878, 34.277758.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Palestinian Militants
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT113

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

دير البلح, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.418995, 34.349442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Fida Fakhri Al-Qidra, aged between 32-35, was reportedly killed in either an Israeli missile or Palestinian rocket misfire on May 19th 2021 at approximately 4pm, when it hit her house located in the Mazraa area in the centre of Deir Al-Balah.

According to Al Haya News, her husband, Iyad Amin Al-Qudra, and her daughter were also injured in this attack and that they were taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment.  The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights also reported that Mr. Al-Qudra’s brother was also injured in this attack, possibly raising the number of those injured to three.

According to The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, the Al-Qidra home was hit by a “missile or rocket” and her death, “according to the Palestinians, are not currently attributed to the IDF, and the Palestinians are still investigating the incident”. It also reported that “the incident was not attributed to the IDF in the reports of the human rights centers.” The human rights centre, Al Mezan described that only a “projectile” hit her house. Other local sources, however, attributed the incident to “Israeli bombing.”

1234infos.com News reported that Ms. Al-Qidra was a mother of five children, two boys and three girls, “and preferred to devote herself to taking care of her family, and lived a difficult economic life.”

The incident occured at approximately 4:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Fida Fakhri Al-Qidra فداء فخري القدرة
32-35 years old female killed
Iyad Al-Qidra اياد القدر
Adult male husband to Ms. Al-Qidra injured
Daughter of Mr. and Ms. Al-Qidra بنت اياد و فداء القدر
Child female injured
Brother to Mr. Al-Qidra خي فداء
male injured

Family members

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Deir Al Balah (دير البلح), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.418995, 34.349442. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (23) [ collapse]